“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” - Gandalf
My story in life has been, and continues to be, good. I have four wonderful children that make me proud and bring me joy each day. Kate, Alex, and Mattie, with their mother Lorene, are all young adults continuing to make their ways in the world. Jacynthe and I have been blessed with our newest addition to the family, James, and he has brought us great joy also. Jacynthe is my wonderful wife who accepted my proposal fully knowing the uncertain road before us, and she took my hand while eyes-wide-open. Lorene and her new husband, John, continue to be very supportive of the whole family and live nearby as we have recently moved from our home in Montreal to the house in Atlanta where hospice and final care is being administered. I have an extended family of siblings, nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, and many others, and that family network is both vast and deep. In addition to these amazing blessings, I've also had a great career in a profession I love. I frequently reflect on an awesome truth… I know no one I would have ever changed lives with, and I continue to be blessed with an amazing, full, and joyful one.
We chose to start this CaringBridge page to notify people of my current status and provide updates. It’s difficult to keep a large family and friend network current at a challenging time. A few years ago I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. It wasn’t discovered until already at an advanced stage. You don’t need excessive detail, but we have now been through many surgeries, rounds of chemo, studies, and exams. We have been aware that all paths lead to about where we are now. My path has been longer and fuller than some may have initially guessed, but it still will end far sooner than any of us had hoped. Again, I would change lives with no one, but anyone living a life with this much joy would always ask for a bit more.
At this point, treatments are not slowing the progression of the disease, and we are past the point of aiming for a cure. I have chosen to be done with treatments. We are certainly always open to a miracle, but it appears man and medicine are at a limit. The profession I mentioned above and deeply loved was being an OB/GYN. I am pretty familiar with the limits of man and medicine and know this disease will surpass them. I am choosing how to play out my remaining time and dealt hand.
My choice at this time is to grab the quality of life that remains and to fully enjoy it. I wish to spend time with family and friends, laugh over old times, and catch up with them about what they have done and where they are going. I would love to rekindle friendships, celebrate with family, and do anything possible that could help strengthen the network that supports my family now and in the future. We are very fortunate, and we want for little else than time and time well spent. As Gandalf said to Frodo, “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” I want to spend my time with the people who have filled it with immense and immeasurable joys.
Again, thank you all for the kind words and memories. Tim lived and loved very well throughout his life. We are still coming to terms with his loss, but we are happy he's at peace and in a better place.
For those travelling, the recommended hotels are: Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Hotel & Conference Center (13min drive and approx. $115/night) Home2Suites by Hilton Atlanta Marietta (10min drive prices vary by suite size approx. $100/night) Hampton Inn and Suite Atlanta/Marietta (10min drive and approx. $100/night)
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